Preikestolen (« the Pulpit ») is a rock plateau that rises 604 meters (1,982 ft) above the Lysefjord, near Stavanger in southwestern Norway. It can only be reached on foot: about 8 km (5 mi) round trip and around 4 hours of walking according to the official website, on a trail of moderate difficulty, open all year. Access is free; only parking is paid. This page brings together the official rules, parking, the bus from Stavanger, gear by season and our calculation of the latest start time, month by month.
To place Preikestolen in a wider trip, see our Norway travel guide, our page on the best time to visit Norway and, if you are torn between the two countries, our comparison Norway or Sweden.
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Preikestolen: key facts
- Hike: about 8 km (5 mi) round trip, moderate difficulty; « about 4 hours » on the hiking page, « 4-5 hours » on the official website’s home page — checked on 27 October 2026 on preikestolen365.com
- Access: free, trail open all year; no barrier at the edge of the plateau
- Car park P1: under 2 hours: NOK 40; over 2 hours: NOK 275, paid at the machine after the hike — checked on 27 October 2026 on preikestolen365.com
- Crowds: high season in June, July and August; most departures between 8 am and 10 am; Saturdays and Sundays are busiest (official website)
- On the trail: no toilets or bins; drones, camping on the plateau and fires (15 April – 15 September) are prohibited; dogs on a leash
- Emergency: call 113
Preikestolen at a glance
The plateau measures about 25 by 25 meters (82 by 82 ft) and overlooks the north shore of the Lysefjord, in the municipality of Strand, in Rogaland. It formed about 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last ice age: as the ice retreated, it released pressure on the rock, which fractured along faults that are still visible, including one at the base of the rock (Wikipedia). The trail is managed by Stiftelsen Preikestolen, a non-profit foundation created by the municipalities and landowners; it runs the car park and maintains the path. The official website says 348,000 people hiked the trail in summer 2022.
The hike: what to expect
The official website describes a trail of moderate difficulty, with marked changes of terrain: boggy areas, forest and stone steps built by Nepalese Sherpas. The route is marked with red « T »s. The last section runs along cliffs: most of the path is not exposed, but the final plateau is, and may be uncomfortable for people prone to vertigo. The trail is not suitable for strollers, wheelchairs or people with reduced mobility (checked on 27 October 2026 on preikestolen365.com).
Differences in duration come down to pace, crowds on the trail and the weather: the official website itself gives « about 4 hours » on its hiking page and « 4-5 hours » on its home page. Plan for the upper range, plus the time spent at the top.
With children
According to the official website, most families do the hike without difficulty, but it recommends keeping a close eye on children along the cliffs and covering up children carried in baby carriers well, as they cool down quickly. In winter, it advises against the hike with children under 5.
When to go: day length and latest start time
Outside summer, the deciding factor is light: the official website insists on starting early enough to be back at the car park before dark, especially from September to March. We calculated, for the 15th of each month, sunrise and sunset at Preikestolen, as well as the latest start time for a 5-hour walk (the upper range given by the official website) finishing at sunset.
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Day length | Latest start* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 09:15 | 16:13 | 6 h 58 min | 11:13 |
| February | 08:10 | 17:29 | 9 h 19 min | 12:29 |
| March | 06:52 | 18:37 | 11 h 45 min | 13:37 |
| April | 06:22 | 20:49 | 14 h 27 min | 15:49 |
| May | 05:05 | 21:59 | 16 h 54 min | 16:59 |
| June | 04:22 | 22:49 | 18 h 27 min | 17:49 |
| July | 04:47 | 22:33 | 17 h 47 min | 17:33 |
| August | 05:53 | 21:24 | 15 h 31 min | 16:24 |
| September | 07:03 | 19:56 | 12 h 53 min | 14:56 |
| October | 08:11 | 18:29 | 10 h 18 min | 13:29 |
| November | 08:26 | 16:12 | 7 h 46 min | 11:12 |
| December | 09:22 | 15:37 | 6 h 15 min | 10:37 |
What to take from it: in December, daylight lasts barely more than six hours according to this calculation, and you need to start by 10:30 am at the latest to get back in daylight; in June, the margin is huge. To avoid the crowds in summer, the official website advises starting very early (before 8 am) or late in the afternoon (after 4 pm). For the climate, see the best time to visit Norway.
Preikestolen in winter
The trail stays open, but it can be slippery, snowy or icy. The official website recommends warm clothing in several layers, hiking boots, crampons or chains (available to rent at the start), a checked weather forecast and, if you are unsure of your navigation, a guide.
Parking and access
Two car parks hold up to 1,000 cars and 20 coaches: Preikestolen Parking (P1), the main one, then Moslimyrå (P2) when the first is full. If both are full, you may be directed to a waiting area. P1 operates 24 hours a day with automatic barriers; staff are present from 7 am to 6 pm in summer and from 9 am to 2 pm in winter. Sleeping in your vehicle and camping in the car park are strictly prohibited (checked on 27 October 2026 on preikestolen365.com).
| Parking duration (P1) | Official rate |
|---|---|
| Under 2 hours | NOK 40 |
| Over 2 hours | NOK 275 |
By bus from Stavanger
Buses link Stavanger, Jørpeland and Forsand to the car park; the official website gives a journey of about 50 minutes from Stavanger, through the Ryfylke undersea tunnel (Ryfylketunnelen). Tickets are bought in advance online, not on board, and the return must be made with the same company. The number of departures varies by period: two in the morning in March and April, six a day from 1 May to 19 June and from 14 September to 4 October, nine a day from 20 June to 13 September, according to the official website (checked on 27 October 2026 on preikestolen365.com). The bus drops you at the car park; you then hike on your own.
By car
From Stavanger or the north, the road goes through the Ryfylketunnelen and then along road 523 towards Jørpeland; the turn-off to Preikestolen Parking is signposted three kilometers (2 mi) after Jørpeland. The official website also describes access from Tau and via the Lysefjord bridge.
Booking a guided hike or a rental
The official website recommends a guide in winter or if you lack experience. Tours sold from Stavanger often combine transport and a guided hike; check whether the bus alone or the guided walk is included, the guide’s language and the cancellation terms in case of bad weather. If you rent a car, budget for parking.
Gear and rules on site
- High-ankle, waterproof hiking boots, a windproof and waterproof jacket, a change of clothes.
- Enough water and food, a map, a charged phone, a headlamp.
- In winter: wool base layers, a hat, mittens and crampons.
- Toilets at the car park only; take all your litter back with you.
- Prohibited: drones, camping on the plateau, cairns, fires during the ban (15 April – 15 September).
- Dogs are allowed, always on a leash.
- Tell someone your route and your return time.
Common mistakes at Preikestolen
- Starting too late in autumn or winter and coming down in the dark.
- Underestimating the hike: uneven terrain, stone steps, steep climbs.
- Going near the edge of the plateau for a photo: there is no barrier.
- Taking the bus without a ticket bought online, or returning with a different company.
- Arriving on a summer Saturday between 8 am and 10 am: it is the busiest slot, with car parks often full.
- Planning to sleep in your car at the car park: it is prohibited.
What to see around Preikestolen
Preikestolen is one of the stages of the Lysefjorden Rundt, a multi-day trail around the fjord; the official website also cites Kjerag and the Flørli stairs among the great sites of the Lysefjord. For another starting point on the fjord coast, see our guide to Bergen, and for a cruise, our page on cruising the fjords. Farther north, the Lofoten Islands offer more hikes. For visas and entry rules, see entry requirements for Norway.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Preikestolen hike take?
The official website gives about 4 hours round trip on its hiking page and 4 to 5 hours on its home page, for about 8 km (5 mi). Add the time spent at the top.
Do you have to pay for Preikestolen?
Access to the trail is free. Car park P1 costs NOK 40 for under 2 hours and NOK 275 beyond that, according to the official website consulted on 27 October 2026.
Can you hike Preikestolen in winter?
Yes, the trail is open all year, but it can be icy: crampons, warm clothing and an early start are essential. The official website advises against the hike with children under 5 in winter.
How do you get to Preikestolen without a car?
By bus from Stavanger, Jørpeland or Forsand, with a ticket bought online in advance. The journey from Stavanger takes about 50 minutes according to the official website.
Are there barriers at the top?
No. The plateau rises 604 meters (1,982 ft) above the fjord with no guardrail: stay away from the edge.
What is the best time to avoid the crowds?
In summer, before 8 am or after 4 pm, according to the official website. The busiest slot is between 8 am and 10 am, especially at weekends.
Our sources
- Stiftelsen Preikestolen, official website preikestolen365.com (home, hiking, parking, access, FAQ), consulted on 27 October 2026
- Wikipedia article « Preikestolen » (geology, plateau dimensions, coordinates), consulted on 27 October 2026
- Astronomical calculations: NOAA solar algorithm, applied by Destination de Voyage to the coordinates of Preikestolen (Wikipedia) (15th of each month, year 2027, clear horizon)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026. Prices and hours may change: check the official website before you go.